COURSE INFORMATION

A LEVELS

Our coveted A-Level curriculum is expertly crafted to not only build on existing knowledge and skills learnt at GCSE level in related subjects, but also to be refreshing, exciting and new. A-Level study is often both challenging and demanding, requiring a delicate balance of independent work and lesson time. With this in mind, we believe that passionate teaching nurtures an innate love for learning; both inside and outside of the classroom.

Biology encompasses the study of life: how living organisms function efficiently and their relative impact on their wider surroundings and ecosystems. As an A-Level Biologist you will contribute to this field of study, developing a firm grasp of the subject from GCSE while learning new skills and refining existent concepts. Practical skills in modern laboratories will also from a central part of the course. The Practical Endorsement qualification, gained alongside BIOLOGY the A-Level certificate, will demonstrate your flourishing competency in this area.

COURSE CONTENT:

Core topics investigate biological molecules, cell structure, ecosystems and organisms, inheritance, evolution and genetic technologies.

FUTURE PATHWAYS:

As a traditional subject, Biology develops many transferrable skills including logic, reasoning and data handling which are highly sought after by employers and universities. The course is also integral to studying many applied or Biological Sciences at University such as Veterinary Science, Medicine, Biochemistry, Zoology or Pharmacy.

Physics focuses on the way the world works; fixated within forces, processes and entities that make up and help us to comprehend the astrological workings of the Universe. At A-Level, students may re-visit familiar theories and concepts explored at GCSE, although the emphasis and depth to which these are explored will be heightened, PHYSICS developing mathematical and experimental context.

COURSE CONTENT

In Year 12, forces, waves, energy, electricity and motion make up the core topics, along with the newly studied concept of Quantum Physics. In Year 13, students will extend their knowledge, exploring fields, capacitors and Medical and Thermal Physics. Practical skills are also heavily focused on with your experimental capabilities being assessed in a separate Practical Endorsement qualification alongside the A-Level Certificate.

FUTURE PATHWAYS

The course incorporates many transferable skills such as numerical reasoning, problem solving and critical thinking, all of which are extremely beneficial in the work place. Such skills may lead to careers in Engineering, Architecture and Astrophysics.

Chemistry is the central Science that affects every aspect of our lives, concerning all aspects of molecular composition, properties and their respective uses. Chemistry embodies the realm where the precision and rigour of scientific method meets creativity and imagination, providing a flexible set of skills that are highly esteemed in the academic and occupational world. As an A-Level student, a large amount of time will be spent in laboratories, as well as experiencing lectures and seminars that will provide insight to what the university setting will be like. A-Level Chemistry is perfect for those who excelled at the subject at GCSE, thrive within the setting of practical study and are keen to take extensive ownership of their learning. COURSE CONTENT Topics studied at A-Level include atomic structure and the periodic table, bonding and structure, organic Chemistry, energetics and equilibrium. FUTURE PATHWAYS This course is essential to pursuing options at University such as Medicine, Chemical Engineering and Environmental Science.

CHEMISTRY

From the movement of a football through the air, to the trends in financial markets, we use Mathematics to model situations, predict what may happen in the future and generalise to other scenarios. As a tool used to explain and understand the world around us, Mathematics is rich in all forms of society. MATHEMATICS

COURSE CONTENT

At A-Level, areas of study include algebra and functions, numerical modelling, sequences and series, calculus and kinetics, among others. These topics result in the development of highly transferable skills in problem solving and logical thinking. Moreover, as Mathematics advances on disciplines including pattern spotting, statistical modelling and understanding change, students with advanced mathematical skills are in very high demand.

FUTURE PATHWAYS

With an A-Level in Mathematics, you could excel in careers relating to Engineering, Science, Medicine, Finance, Law and Computing. Studying Further Mathematics consolidates and reinforces standard A-Level work, helping students achieve the best possible grades. You will gain deep reasoning skills, resilience, the ability to be reflective in practice and the ability to communicate complex ideas. It makes the transition from sixth form to mathematically rich university courses that much easier. COURSE CONTENT Topics studied in Further Mathematics include matrices, complex numbers, proof, polar coordinates, hyperbolic functions and differential equations. FUTURE PATHWAYS Students who study Further Mathematics at A-Level will develop highly transferrable skills applicable to problem solving and logical thought in diverse areas of industry. This course is considered to be essential when applying for Science, Engineering or Economic related degrees at some universities. FURTHER MA T H E MATICS

Economics is about choice and the impact of our choices on each other. It relates to every aspect of our lives, from the decisions we make as individuals or families, to the structures created by governments and firms. By studying Economics, you will learn how to actively and appropriately form opinions on how to overcome the challenges that our societies face.ECONOMICS

COURSE CONTENT

In Year 12, students will be introduced to the nature of economics, how markets work and why they fail; the role of government and the UK economy will also be considered. In Year 13, students will explore the labour market and international trade, inequality within and between countries, emerging and developing economies and public finances.

FUTURE PATHWAYS

Skills developed in data interpretation, problem solving and critical thinking are transferrable to a wide range of careers in Industry, Commerce, Finance and the Civil Service. A-Level Business introduces students to business in industry, providing a solid foundation for further study. With a focus on appropriate decision making, you’ll learn essential managerial skills, alongside techniques to help you become an analytical problem solver. These skills are all highly sought after and valued in a wide range of careers.

COURSE CONTENT

In Year 12, students will focus on leadership in business, marketing performance, financial performance and operational performance. Proceeding to Year 13, the course will explore an investigation of the strategic decisions that all businesses must make in order to improve performance.

FUTURE PATHWAYS

If you’d like to study Business, Finance or Management at university, A-Level Business provides an excellent foundation. The skills you learn are also transferable across a broad range of subjects and careers, including Law, Communications and Public Relations.

BUSINESS

A-Level Computer Science encompasses a wide variety of highly academic skills that are extremely valuable and sought after in modern industry. Suited for those who excel at Science, Technology and/or Mathematics, and are well-versed in logical thinking and enjoy problem solving, this course exemplifies a genuine passion and interest for investigating computers in modern usage. COURSE CONTENT Topics at A-Level explore the theory of computation, data structures, P UTER SCIENCE M algorithms, data representation, functional programming, computer architecture and the consequences of the use of computing, among other C O fields of investigation. FUTURE PATHWAYS The course is widely acknowledged in higher education as a rigorous scientific subject, instilling a skill set that is quickly becoming central to many elite university courses and businesses. IT and Computing is also a highly in-demand industry, with the course leading to many possible lucrative career pathways such as Computing and Software Engineering, Game Development and Technology.

Geography explores the interaction between people and the natural environment. With over seven billion people on the planet, who all need food, housing and work, we are exploiting and, in many cases, damaging the natural environment. The challenge of the 21st century lies in sustainable development and raising living standards without causing irreversible damage to our environment. COURSE CONTENTGEOGRAPHY The A-Level Geography course is made up of both Physical and Human Geography topics. In Physical Geography you will study topics including tectonic processes and hazards, physical landscapes, geopolitics and climate change. Human Geography topics explore urbanisation, globalisation, cultures and societies and urban redevelopment.

FUTURE PATHWAYS

As a traditional academic subject, Geography is an excellent foundation for higher education and related careers including Environmental Consultancy, Architecture and Civil Engineering. Geology provides crucial insight on the very nature of Earth’s materials and processes, from the core to the surface. In this sense, Geology is central to our understanding of the environment, and also helps to form part of our understanding of our own origins through the study of fossils and consequentially, evolution.

COURSE CONTENT

Year 12 will consist of developing the essential knowledge and understanding of the different areas of Geology and how areas relate to and complement each other. This will include the Earth’s structure and plate tectonics, the surface and internal processes that form volcanoes, fossils and rock and the evolution of the Earth over time. Year 13 will develop on this existing knowledge while also exploring new concepts such as geo-hazards, basin analysis, planetary Geology and Palaeontology.

FUTURE PATHWAYS

The course is well suited to those who have a passion for scientific theory and understanding, and may lead to exciting careers in a vast array of Environmental Sciences, Volcanology and Oceanography.

GEOLOGY

Students who want to explore the depths of the world around them will enjoy studying A-Level History. COURSE CONTENT Modules provide students with an opportunity to deepen their HISTORY knowledge of Tudor Britain and Weimar and Nazi Germany. The Tudor monarchs constituted the most significant dynasty in English history, fundamental to the shaping of our church, parliament, civil service, intelligence agencies and culture. At A-Level, you will investigate the significance of these long-lasting influences on society. Moreover, a study of Weimar and Nazi Germany forms a critical analysis of how Germany ’s experiment with democracy for the first time in Weimar gave way to a dictatorial Nazi regime. It explores concepts such as democracy, ideology, class, anti-Semitism and a reflection on the problems of democratic states.

FUTURE PATHWAYS

A highly respected subject, graduates of History can go on to excel in a range of careers including Law, Journalism, Intelligence, Curatorship, Non-Governmental Organisation/Charity work and Teaching.

English literature follows a contemporary approach to Literature which subscribes to the ‘Death of the Author ’ theory and is interested in individual responses to the texts that individuals read and experience. The specification welcomes quirky and independent interpretations of canonical and modern texts, and the coursework unit allows students the opportunity to make their own independent choices of texts to explore. COURSE CONTENT In particular, two specific genres will be studied: Aspects of Tragedy, a traditional literary genre that focuses on the dangers of pride and ambition through flawed characters, and Elements of Crime Writing: a modern and popularist genre that focuses on the elements of crime writing employed by writers to question the natures of innocence and criminality. FUTURE PATHWAYS Students of English Literature are open to a wide variety of careers including Law, Journalism, Marketing and Academia.

ENGLISH LITER A T URE

Classics is an interdisciplinary subject devoted to the study of the literature, history, philosophy, languages and archaeology of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. COURSE CONTENT As a Classics student, you will study three units: The World of the Hero, Greek Theatre and Love and Relationships. The World of the Hero focuses on the story of Odysseus, one of courage, duty love and the tragedy of war. Greek Theatre explores the conventions of religion, politics, values, relationships and culture in ancient plays and Love and Relationships offers an understanding of the contemporary thinking about the roles of men, women, marriage and sexuality. FUTURE PATHWAYS As an A-Level, Classics is particularly useful for students hoping to study Literature, History or Philosophy but is also valuable in acquiring transferable skills such as source analysis and critical evaluation.CLASS I C A L CIVILISATION

Philosophy and Ethics is an intellectually stimulating and challenging course, designed to explore the most fundamental questions of life. Involving lively discussions, critical analysis and in-depth essay writing, it is recognised as a highly academic subject complementing Humanities and Literature-based fields. COURSE CONTENT The course is split in to three units including The Philosophy of Religion, Religion and Ethics and Theology. The first unit, Philosophy of Religion, focuses on the ancient philosophical influences of religion, including the nature of the soul, arguments about the existence or non-existence of God and the problem of evil. Religion and Ethics explores ethical language and thought, debates surrounding the idea of conscience and sexual ethics, and Theology delves in to the religious beliefs, values and teaching within the context of Christianity. FUTURE PATHWAYS Studying Philosophy and Ethics can make a significant contribution to any career that requires clear and rigorous thought, such as Law, Politics, Journalism and Education.

PHILOSOPHY & E T HI CS

Studying Sociology offers insights into social and cultural issues. It helps students develop a multiperspective and critical approach to understanding issues around culture, identity, religion, crime, families and social power. SOCIOLOGY

COURSE CONTENT

In Year 12, students will focus on socialisation, culture and identity, moving on to social differentiation, power and stratification in Year 13. Throughout, there will be a focus on UK society and our place in a global context. Students must be able to show indication of the collection, recording, interpretation and presentation of arguments and evidence.

FUTURE PATHWAYS

Whether you decide to go on to further study or the world of work, A-Level Sociology will help you develop a range of transferrable skills including critical thinking, the use of evidence to support arguments and the ability to make reasoned arguments.

Psychology draws heavily from Behavioural, Biological and Mathematical Sciences, with a focus on the critical evaluation of explanations. It aims to formalise the processes we enact as humans every day, applying scientific study in our attempts to explain human behaviour. PSYCHOLOGY

COURSE CONTENT

At A-Level you will explore the practical applications of our understanding to areas such as parenting, therapies for mental illness, memory and learning and social change. The course coverage can be divided in to scientific topics, including attachment, social influence and cognitive development, and over-arching topics, such as research methods and debate, designed to develop your critical analysis skills.

FUTURE PATHWAYS

The course provides students with essential skills in research and analysis, transferrable to any further study or work. If you’re intending to work with people, this course will have long term benefits in helping you understand the needs and motivations of others.

Bilingualism improves memory, sharpens the mind and provides ample employment opportunities. Thus, individuals with qualifications in Modern Languages are highly sought after. At A-Level, language study builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills gained at GCSE, constituting an integrated study on culture and society in Hispanic and Francophone countries. COURSE CONTENT Students will have a choice of either French or Spanish. In Spanish, students will study technological and social change, looking at the multicultural nature of Hispanic artistic culture. They will also study cultural heritage of past Hispanic civilisations. In French, students will study highlights of French-speaking artistic culture, including francophone music and cinema, political engagement and power. Students will also explore the influence of the past on present-day French-speaking communities. FUTURE PATHWAYS An in-demand skill, bilingualism can lead to employment in Interpretation, Journalism, Education and Business and Trade.

MODERN LAN G U A GES